Secretary of State for Scotland visits GSK in Irvine
Representatives from North Ayrshire Council had a chance to discuss youth unemployment and the issues facing local employers when Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore MP visited the area this week.
Council Leader, David O'Neill, and Chief Executive, Elma Murray, met with the Secretary of State, local MP Brian Donohoe and members of North Ayrshire's manufacturing and construction industry.
Hosted by one of North Ayrshire's largest employers, GlaxoSmithKline, the event aimed to seek feedback on the barriers to increasing the area's employment figures from local business people and public organisations such as the Council, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.
Mr Moore visited the busy pharmaceuticals plant as well as Irvine electronic equipment manufacturers, Ampcontrol Allenwest.
At the meeting, Michael Moore said that the health of Scotland's manufacturing and renewables research sectors are essential for economic recovery and that the UK Government will work with industry to create the conditions for further growth and jobs, the Secretary of State for Scotland said.
The Minister met a group of Ayrshire employers at a meeting hosted by GlaxoSmithKline, a follow up to the first youth unemployment seminar organised by the Scotland Office in May.
The area continues to have a high level of youth unemployment. Currently there are 1975 16-24 year olds claimants in North Ayrshire – at 12.9% the highest in Scotland.
North Ayrshire Council is committed to regenerating local communities and boosting employment and training opportunities in the local area.
A number of Council-led initiatives have been set up to tackle the area's unacceptable levels of unemployment, including the new NASA Programme - a series of seminars with local companies to discuss their recruitment and skills needs to help companies recruit able, qualified and motivated staff.
In 2009/2010, 605 Modern Apprenticeships were undertaken by people in North Ayrshire in addition to 115 Skill Seekers, 341 Getting Ready for Work and 265 Training for Work programmes.
In the current financial year, the Council has also employed 90 Modern Apprenticeships in areas such as catering, engineering, social care, business administration and horticulture
Speaking after the meeting on Wednesday, 28 September, Mr Moore said: "The private sector has an important part to play in helping the UK's economic recovery.
"The relationship between technology and industry is more important than ever, particularly in creating and retaining a highly skilled workforce and developing solutions for the industries of the future, such as renewables.
"The UK Government is playing its part. We are continuing our rescue mission on our economy and dealing with the huge deficit we inherited and we are also taking practical steps to help companies
"I will work closely with businesses across Scotland in the coming weeks and months to make sure their voice is heard within government.
"Our aim is to improve trade and investment so more jobs are created at home. Our message to the world is a clear one - Scotland is open for business."
Council Leader David O'Neill added: "I am delighted that we have once again had the opportunity to speak directly with Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore MP, about unemployment in North Ayrshire.
"The business event at GlaxoSmithKline was very useful in that it gave us an insight into the experiences and employment issues facing local businesses, particularly those in important industries such as construction and manufacturing.
"It confirmed some of what we already though but also gave us some very useful food for thought."